Pronunciation: [mˈə͡ʊmɪzəm] (IPA) 
Momism is a term used to describe an excessive attachment to one's mother. The word is spelled with a 'm' sound at the beginning, followed by the vowel 'o' which is pronounced with an 'ah' sound. The next two sounds are 'm' and 'i', pronounced as 'm' and 'ih' respectively. The final sound is 'zuhm', which is pronounced with a 'z' sound followed by a short 'uh' sound and an 'm' sound. The IPA transcription of momism is /ˈmɒmɪz(ə)m/.
Momism refers to a social and cultural phenomenon that emerged in the early 20th century and was prevalent throughout much of the 1950s and 1960s. The term is derived from the word "mom" and the suffix "-ism," denoting a system of beliefs or practices. It describes an excessively dominant or controlling mother figure, typically characterized by overprotectiveness, overinvolvement, and the inclination to baby or spoil her children.
In its broader context, momism also embodies the societal expectations and ideologies associated with motherhood during that era. It connotes a traditional, conservative view of motherhood that emphasized women's primary role as homemakers, focusing on child-rearing, nurturing, and maintaining a secure family environment.
This concept gained particular significance during the post-World War II period when gender roles were reinforced, as many men returned to the workforce and women were expected to dedicate themselves to the domestic sphere. Momism often involved the suppression of individuality and independence, restricting women's opportunities for personal growth and professional achievement.
Over time, momism became a subject of critique, with scholars and feminists questioning its impact on women's rights and autonomy, as well as its potential effects on children's development. The term has largely fallen out of contemporary usage, as societal attitudes towards gender roles and family structures have evolved, encouraging a more egalitarian approach to parenting and challenging the traditional notions of momism.
The word "momism" is derived from "mom", a colloquial term for mother, and the suffix "-ism", which is used to denote a belief system, practice, or characteristic. It was coined in the early 20th century in the United States. The term gained popularity in the 1940s during a cultural shift in American society, where the idealized image of a nurturing, overprotective, and dominant mother figure became prevalent. Momism was often used to describe the excessive influence or control that a mother, particularly in middle-class households, had over her children, leading to an overreliance on her opinion and decisions. The term gradually lost popularity over the years but is still occasionally used to refer to an excessive attachment or reliance on one's mother.
